While Toyota’s 2000GT has long been highly sought after, the Japanese supercar’s stock has been on the rise recently, with values just about doubling over the last four years. Yet they don’t come up for sale at public auction all that often, which is why fans of the model will take note when one crosses the block next month in Texas.

Built from 1967 to 1970, the 2000GT originated within Toyota – not with Yamaha or Nissan, as some histories have argued – in an attempt to capitalize on racing successes in Japan and to prove the prowess of the Japanese automobile industry abroad. As David LaChance wrote in his story on the 2000GT in the May 2009 issue of Hemmings Sports & Exotic Car, factory racing manager Jiro Kawano headed up the 2000GT development project and young designer Satoru Nozaki penned the car’s curvy design, often compared to the Jaguar E-type. Nor was the 2000GT all beauty and no brawn: It used a dual-overhead camshaft, triple-sidedraft version of the Crown sedan’s straight-six engine – developed in concert with Yamaha – that wrung 150 horsepower out of two liters, along with a five-speed manual transmission, backbone chassis, fully independent suspension, and four-wheel disc brakes. All that technology had its price, however: about $6,600, or about one and a half times what a Corvette cost in 1967. Understandably, Toyota didn’t sell too many 2000GTs – just 351 total, and only 62 in left-hand-drive configuration in the United States.

This particular Toyota 2000GT, a Bendix Bellatrix Yellow example with chassis number MF10-10147, is one of those 62 (and one of six in that color) and has spent time in private collections on both sides of the Pacific. While it remains largely original inside, it was treated to a Chuck Brahms restoration in the 1980s and has been detailed since its return to the United States in 2010. Now part of the Don Davis collection, which RM Auctions will sell at no reserve, its pre-auction estimate for the 2000GT ranges from $650,000 to $850,000. By way of comparison, RM last sold a left-hand-drive 2000GT in 2010 in London for £179,200, or about $284,000, and another left-hand-drive 2000GT sold at the Gooding Pebble Beach auction last August for $627,000. Bob Tkacik of Maine Line Exotics, which specializes in the Toyota 2000GT, said that range is right in line with current values.

UPDATE (28.April 2013): The Toyota sold for $1.155 million.

The Don Davis collection auction will take place April 27 in Fort Worth, Texas. For more information, visit RMAuctions.com.

42 Responses to “Toyota 2000GT heads to auction”

I recall when these began to appear in US car magazines in ’67 (I was 14 at the time), but I don’t think I’ve ever seen one in the flesh in the 46 years since. And while there might be some resemblance or influence of the E-Type in the design, the 2000GT has far more rake to the windshield and roofline. Makes for a more attractive side profile, I think.

Look for Jay Leno, or someone bidding for him, at the auction. If this doesn’t end up in his collection I’d be surprised. And, if it goes for less than a million I’d be surprised, too. Talk about an iconic, rare vehicle, and I think about the world’s most beautiful and desirable sports car. (I said “about”, but as of now I can’t think of anything I’d want more)

Ms. Sanborn, thanks very much for the tip! I didn’t know about that museum but it just got added to my must-see list. What a great collection. I’m still trying to track down a 1971 Corolla 2-door wagon; my first car, so I’ve got a soft spot for classic Toyotas.

Had a chance to buy one of these in 1972, opted for a New Celica, which was the biggest lemon I ever owned. We always considered the 2000 as a mini Jaguar XKE, and was priced dam near what a Jaguar was at the time. I don’t know if I could fit in a 2000 GT now, but it would loo good in the garage.

There is a small niche for these and it will go for bucks. After all how many old Jap cars do you see period? 99.9 percent were run into the ground and not restored because really who cares about them. Old American iron is where the money is. As I said this will sell but even if I had the money, it wouldn’t be to me.

I worked for a Toyota agency in the 70′s and the owner purchased and restored a 2000 GT, I am sure he would like to have it back now. I was curious why they did not mention the two convertibles that were purpose built for the James Bond movie, I think it was ” Live or Let Die”. Does anyone else have any comment on that?
Thanks

First one of these I saw was in Marv and kay Spector’s museum in Chatsworth. I was very impressed with it but never felt the urge to own one. Now that they are worth their weight in platinum, I have even less desire to own one.

One of these was a centerpiece at the Japanese car show in Long Beach last fall. For me, the Toyota Sports 800 parked next to it stole the show. Seemed like it was true for others, too, watching how many people stopped at each car, and the number of photos taken of each one (the Sports 800 won in all measures while I was there). Either car would be thrilling to own or drive.

One of the Toyota dealers in Charlotte NC had a white 2000GT on display in thier showroom for many years, probably into the late 90′s. Also, there is or was one owned by a couple in Winston-Salem NC which occassionally would show up at car shows, possibly the same car. Those two (or one?) plus one owned by the Toyota museum which was at the Long Beach show are the only ones I have ever seen. An exquisite car inside, outside and under the hood. Even more so in person than in photos. Another one of the great sports car designs of the 60′s — there are so many from every country. Considering that Gooding sold a 2000GT in August for around $600K, whoever said this would bring $150K is way off.

I attend many car shows and only recall seeing only one, and it was just last month at the Desert Classic Concours in Palm Springs, CA
The 2000GT is one of those cars which look better in life than in photos. This example was all original with only 2 owners, th current owner for 40 years.

Wow, I didn’t know that Don Davis had such a huge collection. He’s a car dealer in this area (an automall in Arlington), and he’s not a high profile guy – I don’t think I’ve ever even seen a picture of him. The auction has all kinds of stuff, from T-Birds to M-Bs to Corvettes, a Dual-Ghia, another Chrsler by Ghia, and one of the 1941 Chrysler Newport Indy 500 Pacemakers.

Don’t get it at all. Don’t care if it is the only one. It is stupid money. Go ahead and brag when you let it rot on some display room floor. I had a 1976 Celica ST (not GT), when I was in college. Beautiful car. I’d love to buy one now. Rare, or unusual, yes! Drive it around &^%*# yes. Any leads?

I have both an st and a 75 fastback. Bought them in japan, theres actually a 2000gt up this week also. When you see ferrari 250 gto making 30 million then the toyota seems good value, it preceeded many of the now collectable ferraris of the late 60′s

John Weinberger had one of these in the Continental Motors showroom back in the late sixties, and my dad was tempted. He ended up with a DeTomaso Mangusta in fly yellow instead. The 200 GT was really a competitor to my contemporary Porsche 911, with similar price, power, and technical specs (other than layout). It didn’t have the necessary history to compete at that level then, but those 911s are as common as Mustangs by comparison, so I’d have one in a heartbeat today.

Several years ago I showed up to an open interview at a dealership in Davie Florida. They were just looking for sales people so my general manager experience wasn’t quite what they were looking for and I was quickly being brushed off until I asked who drove the red 2000GT.

A guy in a tie, probably with the last name of Zinn looked at me kind of strange and said it was his. With 60 some in the states i guess this isn’t a car most people recognize.

It is funny how cars can kind of bring two people who don’t have much in common together and we talked for a good 45 minutes about the car and car business. He and/or his brother have a couple 2000 GT and as of 2007 he said he was driving the car at least once a month somewhere.

I bet if my 6’5″ frame would have fit with a bit of talking I might have been able to get a ride.

Sadly, this new dealership didn’t survive the financial crash though with the number of dealerships his family has, I don’t think they are eating Macaroni and Cheese.

My dad worked for a Chevy/Toyota dealer in Marion, Ohio in the 1960′s and they had a 2000 GT on their lot shortly after they were announced. He drove it home one evening and gave me a ride around town — it was quite a thrill for a teenage gearhead.

I’m lucky enough to know someone who owns a beautiful white 2000GT; as a matter of fact, he’s owned several and has worked on many others. He’s also (co)written a beautiful book detailing the history of these cars. I was given a thorough tour of his current car and even given a ride. It performs great, is built as good as any car I’ve ever seen (& I’ve seen many) and I will forever cherish the experience! Hopefully the person who buys this one (Jay Leno, are you listening?) will not lock it away in a museum; it deserves to be driven and enjoyed.

I had actually owned this car and purchased it from Mr. Longo, a local Toyota dealer here in California. It was in exceptional shape then and I’m sure in better shape now, that it has returned from Japan and in a private collection It’s a rare treasure and should be appreciated as such.

If anyone reading this is aware of one on the Left Coast, the organizers of the Columbia River Concourse d’Elegance in Vancouver, WA and the Forest Grover Concourse in Oregon are seeking one for display in this summer’s events. Both events are considering opening new classes for Japanese sports cars, and want to get some really good examples.

I have driven both the left and right hand drive models of this car. Sitting on the right hand side took some getting used to especially shifting with my left hand.
The car was vin # 005 right hand drive # 33 race car.
Driving the convertible was nice but it doesn’t have a top so you can only drive it on sunny days.